- Travel Tips
As of May 7th, 2025, you will need a Real ID or other acceptable form on identification to fly within the U.S. including all 50
In our last post, we covered the online passport renewal process. This time, we will cover what you need to know about Real ID for us traveling sisters.
Real ID is no longer something coming down the road — it’s here. As of May 7, 2025, you need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license (the one with a star in the corner) to board a domestic flight, unless you’re carrying a valid passport, a military ID, or a Trusted Traveler card like Global Entry. And there’s a newer catch worth knowing: since February 2026, showing up without an accepted ID means a $45 fee, extra screening, and the very real risk of not making your flight. So before your next trip, take thirty seconds to check your wallet. Here’s exactly what counts, and what to do if you’re not sure.
Let’s examine the details to determine what it is, where you need to go to get one, and how to get one.
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005, establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Beginning on May 7, 2025, You MUST have a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification for:
A state-issued Real ID will have some kind of star marking at the top.
Other acceptable forms of ID are a United States Passport or, an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that is issued only in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont. These will not have the star marking, but they are acceptable alternatives.
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all five territories are issuing Real ID.
You can get your Real ID at your state’s driver licensing facility. Documentation is required, so I suggest visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facility or going to your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) or DMV website to find out exactly what documentation is required for your state.
The Real ID information website lists the required proof you need when you apply.
For example, when I applied for my Real ID in Wisconsin, I took a certified copy of my birth certificate, passport, Social Security number, and two credit card statements with my name and address on them. I also had my driver’s license along.
Not all states require documentation of your Social Security number; you can write it on the form. If your state does require documentation and you do not have a Social Security card, you can use the following:
The cool thing is that the Department of Homeland Security has an excellent webpage for answering all your questions about Real ID. There is also an interactive map; click on your state to access your state’s information about Real ID.
Q: Is Real ID required to fly now?
A: Yes. Since May 7, 2025, travelers 18 and older need a Real ID-compliant license or another accepted form of ID to board a domestic U.S. flight.
Q: How do I know if my license is Real ID compliant?
A: A compliant card has a star (gold or black) in the upper corner. If there’s no star, it is not compliant.
Q: What can I use instead of a Real ID?
A: A valid U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID, or a DHS Trusted Traveler card such as Global Entry are all accepted at the airport.
Q: What happens if I show up without a Real ID?
A: Since February 1, 2026, travelers without an accepted ID face a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee and extra identity verification, with possible delays of 30 minutes or more. The fee is non-refundable, and if your identity cannot be verified you will not be allowed to fly.
Q: Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport?
A: No. A valid U.S. passport is fully accepted at airport security, so you do not also need a Real ID to fly domestically.
The requirements for travel have changed, and we sisters need to stay informed. If you haven’t already, don’t put off getting your Real ID any longer. May 2025 is fast approaching, and we’ve got places to see! Happy travels, fellow sisters.
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